Roman Theater

Downhill from the Citadel and five minute walk east from downtown, the Roman Theater is the most obvious and impressive relic of ancient Philadelphia. The theater which was built during the reign of Antonius Pius (138-161 CE), is cut into the northern side of a hill that once served as a necropolis—or graveyard. It is very similar in design to the amphitheater at Jerash, and can accommodate 6000 spectators. The theater is still used periodically for sporting and cultural events.